Posts Categorized: General

I was lucky to present recently at the American Academy of Audiology’s annual convention in Nashville held April 18-21, 2018. You can read about my presentation here. It was a fascinating experience to attend an audiology conference, not as an audiologist, but as a patient. It was interesting to attend the various educational sessions for the audiologists, listen in on the latest product launches from the hearing aid manufacturers, and walk the expansive exhibition hall to explore new and innovative products for people with hearing loss. I am so glad I attended. Read more

Hearing loss sneaks up on people gradually, so it is sometimes difficult to detect oneself. Often, friends and family are the first to notice. The average person waits 7-10 years before treating their hearing loss. Part of this is due to stigma, but part is not knowing the steps to take to find out more about hearing loss and to construct a plan for treatment. Here are my tips for taking the first few steps along your hearing loss journey. Please share your ideas in the comments. Read more

The world’s preeminent hearing aid companies came together with thousands of audiologists – for four days – to launch and promote new products, services, and technologies. Hearing Tracker interviewed Earlens, Nuheara, Phonak, Unitron, Widex, and Signia, to get the latest juicy details on their launches. Read more

I love to travel, attend concerts, and live sporting events, but as my hearing loss has worsened, I have become more sensitive to loud sounds. More frequently, the aftermath of a plane flight or visit to a stadium was a long bout of tinnitus and sometimes, even vertigo. It just wasn’t worth it, until I discovered noise-cancelling headphones. I wear them almost everywhere now — on airplanes, at the movies and of course at any concert or loud stadium. Not only do they protect my hearing in the moment, they prevent days of pain and annoyance afterwards. Read more

Walgreens appears to be following competitor CVS with a gradual rollout of hearing aid centers across United States. CVS initially announced stores in Dallas and Cleveland back in 2015, and has since opened around 30 stores across seven US States (shy of earlier projections for 2017). While CVS sells Rexton, Unitron, and Bernafon hearing aids, it appears that Walgreens is selling Starkey manufactured products. Read more

Hearing loss can make conversations more challenging. Often we must rely on our conversation partners to practice communication best practices like facing us when they speak and providing context before changing topics. But communication is a two-way street. There are also many things we can do to enhance our ability to have successful and productive interactions with others. By following some simple rules of thumb, we can put ourselves in a better position to hear and communicate as best as is possible. Read more

Whether you’re an experienced hearing aid user or someone who’s never stepped foot in an audiologist’s office, here are some concrete steps you can take to improve your (and your loved one’s) hearing health in 2018. Read more

Hearing loss can feel like the end of one’s life. A resignation to an inevitable and diminished hearing experience that will forever change everything – and that may never get better. Yet those who wear hearing aids and cochlear implants know that there is life after hearing loss and that technology plays a critical role in hearing rehabilitation. In addition to hearing devices, there are a number of apps, tools, toys, and gear that can enhance one’s hearing experience across a variety of environments. Read more

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays — delicious food, good spirits and lively gatherings of family and friends. But with my hearing loss, I sometimes worry I will miss out on some of the fun. Large dining room tables make conversation tricky, especially, like in my family, if everyone is talking at once. Background chatter combined with noise from the football games on television add to the overall din, making it a tough listening situation. What is a person with hearing loss to do? Follow these tips and have a very Happy Thanksgiving! Read more

With hearing loss often comes the loss of the enjoyment of music and discourages many from listening, playing and singing even if they once did. Much research now says that can be a blow to brain health, cognitive functioning and more. Read more